› 沖縄英字マガジン OkinaWanderer › 琉球ヒストリー by OLC2017年05月23日
ランチ対決！＋接客対応で思ふことろ
むひょー、もったいない！今日は快晴とまではいかないまでも、梅雨の貴重な晴れ間だというのに、日中デスクワーーーク！！まだしばらくかかりそうです。。
明日からは当分曇りか雨で続きそうなので、今日でやれることはやっておいた方がよさそうですね。
さて！先日のことですが、那覇まで出る予定があり、打ち合わせの時間が１４時ということだったので那覇でランチも食べてから打ち合わせに向かおう♪と思いつつも、、なんだかんだで時間が押してしまい、ランチを食べてからでは間に合わない！急いで食べて焦っても嫌なので、この際打ち合わせ終わってからゆっくり食べよう。と打ち合わせ後にランチの運びとなりました。
して打ち合わせ終了して時間は１５時過ぎ、場所は大都会那覇というランチには微妙な要素漫才。
んでもそのおかげもあってか？？もうお腹ぺっこぺこなペコちゃん富士屋！なわけなんですよ。
なーんかこの際、夕飯も兼ねてガッツリ食っておきたいな。そうだ！いま沖縄で旬な！？ステーキでも食べてみよう！と♪ もういろんなステーキ屋さん出来てるし、何より安いのよね！？ 飲んだシメにステーキという行動パターンは自分の中には無いのですが（＾＾； 全国ネットのテレビとかでも沖縄の〆はラーメンではなくステーキ！というのが話題になってるし。ん〜、、自分の中ではやっぱ無いんですけどね。
とまぁ、これだけ話題になってくるとお店も多く選べるし、ほんと安い店も増えているようで、安くガッツリいけるなら昼ステーキもありか！と♪
で、ちょうど那覇の泉崎あたりでの打ち合わせだったもんだから、以前にここのステーキは美味しいよ♪ と教えてもらった前島の『おきなわステーキ』なるとこへお邪魔してきました♪
教えてもらったのは、久茂地で整体治療院を経営する字座さんという先生で、すごいグルメ通なんですよね♪ その先生が、沖縄では最近これだけステーキ屋が増えてきてるだけあって、美味しいとこ美味しくないとこやっぱりあるけど、ここのコスパはグッドだよ♪と教えてくれたので、一度は行ってみたいなと思っていたとこだったんです。
ただ、時間はすでに１５時半、かなり微妙な時間帯でこの時間は休憩とる飲食店も多いですよね。しかしバッチリ開いてます、それどころか２４時間開いてますってよ〜！ユニオンか！で、時間帯が時間帯だったからでしょうけど、先客はゼロ。それでも店員は笑顔で接客してくれて、店内の雰囲気も特徴という特徴はないけどGood。店員はその時間帯だからかもしれんけど２人のみで回してて、座席数も入っても２０席くらいかな。
で、ちょっともったいなかったのが、、ランチタイムが１５時までだったこと（＞＜； 残念ー！！ランチタイムなら、200g（多分）のステーキがライスかパン、スープ、サラダ、食後の飲み物まで付いて¥1000！！この内容で、しかも美味しいっていったらスゴくないですか？？
ランチが終わってしまっていたので、通常メニューになってしまったんだけど、それでも安いと思う。せっかく来てるんだし、もう夕飯も兼ねてるからいいか！とちょっと贅沢だけど、ステーキLサイズ（400gくらいかな）￥１６００円を注文！（ライス or パン、サラダ、スープ付き）
待ち時間も気になることはなく、ジュージュー焼きたての鉄板で出てきましたステーキ！ステーキ自体久々だったんで、もつガツガツ食いましたね〜♪
して、噂通り美味しい♪ 安い肉にありがちな固さも無いし、ジューシーさもあって、ホント美味しかったです♪
これ、２００gに減ったとしても、１０００円で食べれるんならまた来るな！と思いました♪
自分が食べている間にも他に２組客も入って来たし、ランチはランチでそうとう回転しているんだろう、夜も夜でディナーの時間帯、１１時頃で飲みを〆て入ってくる層、３時〆層、５時〆層あたりがいるんだろうな〜♪ ２４時間営業て結構リスキーだけど、この業態ならなるほどと思えた。
それに対して〜、日曜にも出掛けていて、その日もランチを外で取ろうということになっていたんです。
ちょっとこの話は酷評になってしまうので、店名は挙げませんが、わりと評判も良さげと聞いていた、とあるビュッフェ形式のレストラン。
この日も入店時間がちょいと遅かったのもあるとは思う。お店に着いたのが１３時ころ、噂通り？なかなか人が入っていて、待ち客もいる。だけど、まず客が入って来ても受け付けをするスタッフがいない。どこの誰まで待っているのかも分からないし、受け付けする必要があるのかどうかも分からない。前に並んでいたお客さんが、今こうこうしかじからしいから、もう少し待つみたいですよ〜と教えてくれたほどで。
そこから待つこと５分くらいかな、ようやく受け付けスタッフがやってきて、受け付けをすまてせ待ち時間があと１５分くらいですと。
この時点で１３時２０分ほどです。で、聞くとこによるとランチ時間は１４時までという。え〜？？ となるけど、ここまで来て待って次というのもまた時間かかるし、、ビュッフェだから、ガーッと取って食べればいいか。と。
してようやく案内され席についてビュッフェに並ぶ。並んでいるプレートを見てまたびっくり！ほとんど料理がスッカラカンじゃねーか！
前に並んでるおばちゃん団体もご立腹！なんにも無いじゃないの！ちょっとおネーさん！これはもう無いの！？ これも無いんだけど！？と（＾＾；
ありがとう、おばちゃん、オレはそこまでよー言わんです、、代弁してくれてサンキューでーすとな（＾＾；
で、スタッフも、今お持ちしますからと伝えてからにまた数十分。。スタッフの数が明らかに足りてないし、オペレーショングッタグタ、しかもスタッフ機嫌も悪そうだし。。
ビュッフェでこれは無いっしょ〜と、非常に残念なランチとなりました。安くはあったんだけどね、もう行くことは無いでしょうね。
こんな対局なサービスを二日間で味わったというわけなんです。
２４時間開けていても、しっかりとコンスタントに客も入ればサービスも申し分無い、何より旨い＆コスパグッド！
方や、広い店内にスタッフは僅かで終始パタパタしては客から要望が絶えず、結局どれもこれも後回しになって悪循環もいいとこ。
適正なサービスが提供できないようであれば、店内をもっと狭めて、待ち時間長くても待ってもらえる客を入れていく方がいいのでは？ それくらい待つんなら別の店に行くという客もいるだろうし、それだけ待っても、コスパ良くってサービスも行き届いているのなら満足はするのであろうし。
明らかにキャパを超えた集客をしているのを感じましたね。一見さんだけでビジネスするならいいんだろうけど、リピートしないよね。それってどっちがいいんだろうかと。
さらにさらに、なんかクレーム続きっぽくてなんなんですが（＾＾； 日々の気付きということで何かのきっかけになればと思って書きますね。
ワタクシ、慢性的に肩の凝りがひどくって、定期的に整骨院にも通ってるんです。
今通ってるとこも、近所だし、サービスも技術も気に入ってるんです。
ただ、この春に人事的な変動があったのか、それまで３〜４人体制で回していたのが、昨日行ったら２人体制になっていて、もう終始アタフタしてるのが目に見えて分かったんです。それだけ通院者がいるというのはいいことだと思うし、技術があってこそだとは思うんです。
でも、やっぱり施術される側もリラックスを得る為にも行くわけだから、あまりに忙しい雰囲気だと、ちょっと落ち着かないですよね（＾＾；
少ない人数でそれ以上のサービスを提供しようという姿勢は理解できます。しかしそれでせっかくのサービスの質が落ちたり、不信が出てくるようになってしまうと元も子も無い。それよりは、限られた人数で出来ることに切り替え、完全予約制にしてしまうとか、対応人数も絞って若干の単価を上げていくとかの方がいいんじゃないのかな〜と。そら、それぞれに抱えている問題だとか、当事者じゃないと分かんない事情はもちろんあると思います（＾＾；
でも、何かしら上で述べたことには共通点があって、それってビジネスの原理原則なんじゃないのかなと。
自分自身にもハッとさせられる部分もあるし、サービスだったり自分自身を客観的に見る、人の声や見方を聞き入れる、ということが如何に大切なことなんだなと思った次第なんです。
ということで、お決まりの長々文章となってしまいましたが、またまたニンニクたつぷりーなジューシーステーキ食いたくなってきたやっさー！という本日のこの頃。ステキなステーキロックンロール！！
明日からは当分曇りか雨で続きそうなので、今日でやれることはやっておいた方がよさそうですね。
さて！先日のことですが、那覇まで出る予定があり、打ち合わせの時間が１４時ということだったので那覇でランチも食べてから打ち合わせに向かおう♪と思いつつも、、なんだかんだで時間が押してしまい、ランチを食べてからでは間に合わない！急いで食べて焦っても嫌なので、この際打ち合わせ終わってからゆっくり食べよう。と打ち合わせ後にランチの運びとなりました。
して打ち合わせ終了して時間は１５時過ぎ、場所は大都会那覇というランチには微妙な要素漫才。
んでもそのおかげもあってか？？もうお腹ぺっこぺこなペコちゃん富士屋！なわけなんですよ。
なーんかこの際、夕飯も兼ねてガッツリ食っておきたいな。そうだ！いま沖縄で旬な！？ステーキでも食べてみよう！と♪ もういろんなステーキ屋さん出来てるし、何より安いのよね！？ 飲んだシメにステーキという行動パターンは自分の中には無いのですが（＾＾； 全国ネットのテレビとかでも沖縄の〆はラーメンではなくステーキ！というのが話題になってるし。ん〜、、自分の中ではやっぱ無いんですけどね。
とまぁ、これだけ話題になってくるとお店も多く選べるし、ほんと安い店も増えているようで、安くガッツリいけるなら昼ステーキもありか！と♪
で、ちょうど那覇の泉崎あたりでの打ち合わせだったもんだから、以前にここのステーキは美味しいよ♪ と教えてもらった前島の『おきなわステーキ』なるとこへお邪魔してきました♪
教えてもらったのは、久茂地で整体治療院を経営する字座さんという先生で、すごいグルメ通なんですよね♪ その先生が、沖縄では最近これだけステーキ屋が増えてきてるだけあって、美味しいとこ美味しくないとこやっぱりあるけど、ここのコスパはグッドだよ♪と教えてくれたので、一度は行ってみたいなと思っていたとこだったんです。
ただ、時間はすでに１５時半、かなり微妙な時間帯でこの時間は休憩とる飲食店も多いですよね。しかしバッチリ開いてます、それどころか２４時間開いてますってよ〜！ユニオンか！で、時間帯が時間帯だったからでしょうけど、先客はゼロ。それでも店員は笑顔で接客してくれて、店内の雰囲気も特徴という特徴はないけどGood。店員はその時間帯だからかもしれんけど２人のみで回してて、座席数も入っても２０席くらいかな。
で、ちょっともったいなかったのが、、ランチタイムが１５時までだったこと（＞＜； 残念ー！！ランチタイムなら、200g（多分）のステーキがライスかパン、スープ、サラダ、食後の飲み物まで付いて¥1000！！この内容で、しかも美味しいっていったらスゴくないですか？？
ランチが終わってしまっていたので、通常メニューになってしまったんだけど、それでも安いと思う。せっかく来てるんだし、もう夕飯も兼ねてるからいいか！とちょっと贅沢だけど、ステーキLサイズ（400gくらいかな）￥１６００円を注文！（ライス or パン、サラダ、スープ付き）
待ち時間も気になることはなく、ジュージュー焼きたての鉄板で出てきましたステーキ！ステーキ自体久々だったんで、もつガツガツ食いましたね〜♪
して、噂通り美味しい♪ 安い肉にありがちな固さも無いし、ジューシーさもあって、ホント美味しかったです♪
これ、２００gに減ったとしても、１０００円で食べれるんならまた来るな！と思いました♪
自分が食べている間にも他に２組客も入って来たし、ランチはランチでそうとう回転しているんだろう、夜も夜でディナーの時間帯、１１時頃で飲みを〆て入ってくる層、３時〆層、５時〆層あたりがいるんだろうな〜♪ ２４時間営業て結構リスキーだけど、この業態ならなるほどと思えた。
それに対して〜、日曜にも出掛けていて、その日もランチを外で取ろうということになっていたんです。
ちょっとこの話は酷評になってしまうので、店名は挙げませんが、わりと評判も良さげと聞いていた、とあるビュッフェ形式のレストラン。
この日も入店時間がちょいと遅かったのもあるとは思う。お店に着いたのが１３時ころ、噂通り？なかなか人が入っていて、待ち客もいる。だけど、まず客が入って来ても受け付けをするスタッフがいない。どこの誰まで待っているのかも分からないし、受け付けする必要があるのかどうかも分からない。前に並んでいたお客さんが、今こうこうしかじからしいから、もう少し待つみたいですよ〜と教えてくれたほどで。
そこから待つこと５分くらいかな、ようやく受け付けスタッフがやってきて、受け付けをすまてせ待ち時間があと１５分くらいですと。
この時点で１３時２０分ほどです。で、聞くとこによるとランチ時間は１４時までという。え〜？？ となるけど、ここまで来て待って次というのもまた時間かかるし、、ビュッフェだから、ガーッと取って食べればいいか。と。
してようやく案内され席についてビュッフェに並ぶ。並んでいるプレートを見てまたびっくり！ほとんど料理がスッカラカンじゃねーか！
前に並んでるおばちゃん団体もご立腹！なんにも無いじゃないの！ちょっとおネーさん！これはもう無いの！？ これも無いんだけど！？と（＾＾；
ありがとう、おばちゃん、オレはそこまでよー言わんです、、代弁してくれてサンキューでーすとな（＾＾；
で、スタッフも、今お持ちしますからと伝えてからにまた数十分。。スタッフの数が明らかに足りてないし、オペレーショングッタグタ、しかもスタッフ機嫌も悪そうだし。。
ビュッフェでこれは無いっしょ〜と、非常に残念なランチとなりました。安くはあったんだけどね、もう行くことは無いでしょうね。
こんな対局なサービスを二日間で味わったというわけなんです。
２４時間開けていても、しっかりとコンスタントに客も入ればサービスも申し分無い、何より旨い＆コスパグッド！
方や、広い店内にスタッフは僅かで終始パタパタしては客から要望が絶えず、結局どれもこれも後回しになって悪循環もいいとこ。
適正なサービスが提供できないようであれば、店内をもっと狭めて、待ち時間長くても待ってもらえる客を入れていく方がいいのでは？ それくらい待つんなら別の店に行くという客もいるだろうし、それだけ待っても、コスパ良くってサービスも行き届いているのなら満足はするのであろうし。
明らかにキャパを超えた集客をしているのを感じましたね。一見さんだけでビジネスするならいいんだろうけど、リピートしないよね。それってどっちがいいんだろうかと。
さらにさらに、なんかクレーム続きっぽくてなんなんですが（＾＾； 日々の気付きということで何かのきっかけになればと思って書きますね。
ワタクシ、慢性的に肩の凝りがひどくって、定期的に整骨院にも通ってるんです。
今通ってるとこも、近所だし、サービスも技術も気に入ってるんです。
ただ、この春に人事的な変動があったのか、それまで３〜４人体制で回していたのが、昨日行ったら２人体制になっていて、もう終始アタフタしてるのが目に見えて分かったんです。それだけ通院者がいるというのはいいことだと思うし、技術があってこそだとは思うんです。
でも、やっぱり施術される側もリラックスを得る為にも行くわけだから、あまりに忙しい雰囲気だと、ちょっと落ち着かないですよね（＾＾；
少ない人数でそれ以上のサービスを提供しようという姿勢は理解できます。しかしそれでせっかくのサービスの質が落ちたり、不信が出てくるようになってしまうと元も子も無い。それよりは、限られた人数で出来ることに切り替え、完全予約制にしてしまうとか、対応人数も絞って若干の単価を上げていくとかの方がいいんじゃないのかな〜と。そら、それぞれに抱えている問題だとか、当事者じゃないと分かんない事情はもちろんあると思います（＾＾；
でも、何かしら上で述べたことには共通点があって、それってビジネスの原理原則なんじゃないのかなと。
自分自身にもハッとさせられる部分もあるし、サービスだったり自分自身を客観的に見る、人の声や見方を聞き入れる、ということが如何に大切なことなんだなと思った次第なんです。
ということで、お決まりの長々文章となってしまいましたが、またまたニンニクたつぷりーなジューシーステーキ食いたくなってきたやっさー！という本日のこの頃。ステキなステーキロックンロール！！
2016年11月29日
琉球ヒストリー第１１弾！琉球の宗教
久々のコーナーとなりますが、琉球ヒストリーがVol.11となりました！
今回はすごく特徴のある沖縄の宗教観についてです。
先祖崇拝ってすごくいいですよね♪
神様のために争うっていったい神の意味ってなんなんでしょうと思いますよね。
人類全てが自分たちの先祖を敬い、それを代々伝えていけばもっと平和な世の中になると、思いませんか（＾＾）
Religion talks about the “relationship between humans and the Maker of all existence.” The Maker has different name in different cultures and is called ‘God’ in English, ‘Kami’ in Japanese, ‘Shin’ in Chinese, and so forth. Curiously, all world major religions originated in Asia. Judaism and Christianity in Israel, Islam in Saudi Arabia (West Asia), Hinduism in India (South Asia), Buddhism in Nepal (Central Asia), Neo-Confucianism and Taoism in China (East Asia), and Shintoism in Japan (East Asia). These Asian born religions spread all over the world, and they have been influencing about 90% of the world population.
Okinawan religion is believed to have been developed from animism, which was superimposed by shamanism, ancestor worship, Taoism, Buddhism, Neo-Confucianism, Shintoism, and others. Animism is “the belief that all things have a spirit or soul, including animals, plants, rivers, mountains, rocks, stars, the moon, and the sun. Each being is considered a spirit that can offer help or harm to humans.” (http://www.gotquestions.org/ Animism.html) In short, Okinawan religion is a hybrid religion, a mixture of multiple beliefs.
In the early 16th century, King Sho Shin adapted ‘theocracy’ when he established the office of High Priestess who engaged in religious rites and ceremonies in the state affairs of the Ryukyu Kingdom. High Priestess was called ‘Kikoe-Ogimi’ or ‘Chifijin Ganashiimee’ in the Ryukyu language. Kikoe-Ogimi appointed the district priestesses called ‘Noro’ or ‘Nuuru’ who were in charge of the religious affairs in the local regions.
The High Priestess and local priestesses gave prayers at the sacred places called ‘utaki’ where gods descend from heaven to listen to the prayers. All the villages and castles had one or more ‘utaki’ where the prayers of peace, safety, prosperity, good health, thanksgiving, and so on. were given to god with the offerings at the altar. At the center of ‘utaki’ was a natural stone called ‘ibi’ that was usually surrounded by palms and other trees. In front of the ‘ibi’ was the altar where incense and offerings were placed while prayers were given.
Priestesses directly prayed to god at ‘utaki’ where god descends and ascends from and to heaven. Therefore, there was no need of a gigantic building like a temple, shrine, cathedral, and the like in Okinawan religion. When ancestor worship was introduced from China, the family altar was made by the head family to enshrine the spirits of their ancestors. The names of the dead are written on the wooden tablets called ‘ihai’ which is placed on the top tier of the family altar. On the first and 15th day of each month prayers are given by the family members.
Three major religious events take place pm Okinawa — New Year, Shiimii, and Obon.
What is unique about Okinawan religion? First, Okinawan religion is not institution-centered but family-centered. Second, Okinawan religion is not led by men but women (priestesses). Third, religious prayers and offerings are given at ‘utaki’, at home, at the ancestor’s tomb, an other places.
Okinawan religion doesn’t require a large religious structure like a temple or shrine, and it’s a hybrid (mixture of many other beliefs) religion.
Map
今回はすごく特徴のある沖縄の宗教観についてです。
先祖崇拝ってすごくいいですよね♪
神様のために争うっていったい神の意味ってなんなんでしょうと思いますよね。
人類全てが自分たちの先祖を敬い、それを代々伝えていけばもっと平和な世の中になると、思いませんか（＾＾）
Religion talks about the “relationship between humans and the Maker of all existence.” The Maker has different name in different cultures and is called ‘God’ in English, ‘Kami’ in Japanese, ‘Shin’ in Chinese, and so forth. Curiously, all world major religions originated in Asia. Judaism and Christianity in Israel, Islam in Saudi Arabia (West Asia), Hinduism in India (South Asia), Buddhism in Nepal (Central Asia), Neo-Confucianism and Taoism in China (East Asia), and Shintoism in Japan (East Asia). These Asian born religions spread all over the world, and they have been influencing about 90% of the world population.
Okinawan religion is believed to have been developed from animism, which was superimposed by shamanism, ancestor worship, Taoism, Buddhism, Neo-Confucianism, Shintoism, and others. Animism is “the belief that all things have a spirit or soul, including animals, plants, rivers, mountains, rocks, stars, the moon, and the sun. Each being is considered a spirit that can offer help or harm to humans.” (http://www.gotquestions.org/ Animism.html) In short, Okinawan religion is a hybrid religion, a mixture of multiple beliefs.
In the early 16th century, King Sho Shin adapted ‘theocracy’ when he established the office of High Priestess who engaged in religious rites and ceremonies in the state affairs of the Ryukyu Kingdom. High Priestess was called ‘Kikoe-Ogimi’ or ‘Chifijin Ganashiimee’ in the Ryukyu language. Kikoe-Ogimi appointed the district priestesses called ‘Noro’ or ‘Nuuru’ who were in charge of the religious affairs in the local regions.
The High Priestess and local priestesses gave prayers at the sacred places called ‘utaki’ where gods descend from heaven to listen to the prayers. All the villages and castles had one or more ‘utaki’ where the prayers of peace, safety, prosperity, good health, thanksgiving, and so on. were given to god with the offerings at the altar. At the center of ‘utaki’ was a natural stone called ‘ibi’ that was usually surrounded by palms and other trees. In front of the ‘ibi’ was the altar where incense and offerings were placed while prayers were given.
Priestesses directly prayed to god at ‘utaki’ where god descends and ascends from and to heaven. Therefore, there was no need of a gigantic building like a temple, shrine, cathedral, and the like in Okinawan religion. When ancestor worship was introduced from China, the family altar was made by the head family to enshrine the spirits of their ancestors. The names of the dead are written on the wooden tablets called ‘ihai’ which is placed on the top tier of the family altar. On the first and 15th day of each month prayers are given by the family members.
Three major religious events take place pm Okinawa — New Year, Shiimii, and Obon.
What is unique about Okinawan religion? First, Okinawan religion is not institution-centered but family-centered. Second, Okinawan religion is not led by men but women (priestesses). Third, religious prayers and offerings are given at ‘utaki’, at home, at the ancestor’s tomb, an other places.
Okinawan religion doesn’t require a large religious structure like a temple or shrine, and it’s a hybrid (mixture of many other beliefs) religion.
Map
2016年07月24日
琉球ヒストリー第１０弾 沖縄の伝統文化
琉球ヒストリー第１０弾は沖縄の伝統文化についてです♪
こういう部分を深く見てみると、やはり日本とは違う文化を育んできたんだな〜というのを再確認しますよね。
空手は今でこそ世界的な武道になっていますが、こういう歴史があり広まってきたというのも知っておくとさらに沖縄発信に弾みがつきます♪
琉球音階もやはり本土とは違い、その音階を聴くだけで沖縄の雰囲気が出ますもんね（＾＾）
もっともっと若い人も伝統文化興味を持って触れるようにしたいですね♪
By Hoshin Nakamura
Instructor
NPO Okinawa Language Center
Ryukyu karate, music and dance were created, evolved and performed by the island people for hundreds of years. The Ryukyu performing arts have become so popular that masters of karate, music, and dance have been invited to countries on every continent to entertain the peoples there. But what makes Ryukyu performing arts attractive to audiences overseas?
In the 14th century, the Ryukyu Kingdom traded with Japan, Korea, China and Southeast Asian nations. These nations had various self-defense martial arts that had often been developed from forms and movements of animals in fights, such as cats, snakes, monkeys, cocks, etc. The ancient people learned how to attack and defend themselves from the strategies of these animal fights.
Ryukyu karate
In 1429, Hashi, the great chieftain from Sashiki, unified the divided kingdoms of the Ryukyus to bring about peace. In 1478, King Sho Shin banned weapons of all classes. As a result, the kingdom’s people enjoyed 131 years of peace, prosperity, and longevity.
As a means of self-defense, “tii” was developed combining various types of self-defense on the basis of “Tuu-dii” (Chinese hand). After the Satsuma invasion, “tii” became “Uchinaa tii” that means Okinawan hand. The term ‘hand’ means a martial art. In the 18th century, different types of “tii” were developed into “Naafa-tii,” “Sui-tii,” and “Tumai-tii”, Naha-hand, Shuri-hand, and Tomari-hand respectively.
In the 20th century, the Ryukyuan martial arts came to be known as “tii” meaning the “hand”. It was only in 1912 that Ryukyuan “tii” began to be called “karate” meaning “empty hand”. In 1938, Dr. Hironori Otsuka founded “Wadoo-ryu” karate that was recognized as an independent style of karate.
Originally there were no such thing as “ryu” or “school”, which had been a Japanese idea of “clique” or “batsu”. In the Ryukyus, the term “tii” was enough no matter where it was practiced. The “ryu” or “do” as in Uechi-ryu, Shorin-ryu, Karate-do, etc. began to appear only after the Japanese cultural influence. Consequently, such styles of karate schools as Shorin-ryu, Matsubayashi-ryu, Shotokan-ryu, Kojo-ryu, Goju-ryu, Shuri-ryu, Uechi-ryu, Wado-ryu appeared.
Today, Okinawan karate schools (dojo) have been built and spreading in many nations. International karate tournaments have been held periodically.
Many overseas students of Ryukyu karate come to Okinawa in order to experience the true spirit of Ryukyu karate. Below are some reasons why the Ryukyu karate has become internationally recognized and accepted.
1. Ryukyu karate is used not for fighting but only for self-protection.
2. Ryukyu karate masters don’t brag about their skills but embrace the spirit of courtesy and compassion.
3. They don’t look down upon others but seek for mutual respect.
4. They are always caring and engaging in self-discipline.
5. They are peace-minded and don’t kill the attackers or offenders who also have their beloved family.
6. Ryukyu karate masters protect the weak and the needy.
7. Ryukyu karate is a humanistic and ethical martial art.
8. Ryukyu karate masters value ideals of international peace and friendship.
Music and dance
The Ryukyuan musical scale, which is called pentatonic, consists of five notes, namely Do, Mi, Fa, So, and Ti. The Ryukyuan songs and poems are composed of 30 syllables.
The song or verse is sung accompanied by traditional musical instruments. The main Ryukyu musical instruments include string, percussion, and wind instruments. Sanshin (3-stringed), kokyu (2-stringed), and koto (13-stringed) are the popular string instruments; drum, paarankuu, sanba, yotsudake, and symbal are common percussion instruments; yokobue (bamboo flute) and hora (tilton sea shell) are the main wind instruments.
Ryukyu dance and music with instruments are often performed simultaneously, and classified into classical/court, folk, drama, miscellaneous, and creative categories. For example, Kajadifu is classical; Tanchame is folk, Hatoma-bushi is miscellaneous; Warabigami is creative. After the Meiji invasion, many Ryukyu dance schools (ryuha) emerged, such as, Tamagusuku-ryu, Oyadomari-ryu, Miyagi-ryu, and the like.
Tokyo Ryukyu Dance Association was established by the Ryukyuans living in Tokyo. The 7th performance of Ryukyu music and dance was held in May 2016. Fifteen schools in Tokyo offered 26 dances that were performed to the accompaniment of classical, miscellaneous, and creative music.
Map
こういう部分を深く見てみると、やはり日本とは違う文化を育んできたんだな〜というのを再確認しますよね。
空手は今でこそ世界的な武道になっていますが、こういう歴史があり広まってきたというのも知っておくとさらに沖縄発信に弾みがつきます♪
琉球音階もやはり本土とは違い、その音階を聴くだけで沖縄の雰囲気が出ますもんね（＾＾）
もっともっと若い人も伝統文化興味を持って触れるようにしたいですね♪
By Hoshin Nakamura
Instructor
NPO Okinawa Language Center
Ryukyu karate, music and dance were created, evolved and performed by the island people for hundreds of years. The Ryukyu performing arts have become so popular that masters of karate, music, and dance have been invited to countries on every continent to entertain the peoples there. But what makes Ryukyu performing arts attractive to audiences overseas?
In the 14th century, the Ryukyu Kingdom traded with Japan, Korea, China and Southeast Asian nations. These nations had various self-defense martial arts that had often been developed from forms and movements of animals in fights, such as cats, snakes, monkeys, cocks, etc. The ancient people learned how to attack and defend themselves from the strategies of these animal fights.
Ryukyu karate
In 1429, Hashi, the great chieftain from Sashiki, unified the divided kingdoms of the Ryukyus to bring about peace. In 1478, King Sho Shin banned weapons of all classes. As a result, the kingdom’s people enjoyed 131 years of peace, prosperity, and longevity.
As a means of self-defense, “tii” was developed combining various types of self-defense on the basis of “Tuu-dii” (Chinese hand). After the Satsuma invasion, “tii” became “Uchinaa tii” that means Okinawan hand. The term ‘hand’ means a martial art. In the 18th century, different types of “tii” were developed into “Naafa-tii,” “Sui-tii,” and “Tumai-tii”, Naha-hand, Shuri-hand, and Tomari-hand respectively.
In the 20th century, the Ryukyuan martial arts came to be known as “tii” meaning the “hand”. It was only in 1912 that Ryukyuan “tii” began to be called “karate” meaning “empty hand”. In 1938, Dr. Hironori Otsuka founded “Wadoo-ryu” karate that was recognized as an independent style of karate.
Originally there were no such thing as “ryu” or “school”, which had been a Japanese idea of “clique” or “batsu”. In the Ryukyus, the term “tii” was enough no matter where it was practiced. The “ryu” or “do” as in Uechi-ryu, Shorin-ryu, Karate-do, etc. began to appear only after the Japanese cultural influence. Consequently, such styles of karate schools as Shorin-ryu, Matsubayashi-ryu, Shotokan-ryu, Kojo-ryu, Goju-ryu, Shuri-ryu, Uechi-ryu, Wado-ryu appeared.
Today, Okinawan karate schools (dojo) have been built and spreading in many nations. International karate tournaments have been held periodically.
Many overseas students of Ryukyu karate come to Okinawa in order to experience the true spirit of Ryukyu karate. Below are some reasons why the Ryukyu karate has become internationally recognized and accepted.
1. Ryukyu karate is used not for fighting but only for self-protection.
2. Ryukyu karate masters don’t brag about their skills but embrace the spirit of courtesy and compassion.
3. They don’t look down upon others but seek for mutual respect.
4. They are always caring and engaging in self-discipline.
5. They are peace-minded and don’t kill the attackers or offenders who also have their beloved family.
6. Ryukyu karate masters protect the weak and the needy.
7. Ryukyu karate is a humanistic and ethical martial art.
8. Ryukyu karate masters value ideals of international peace and friendship.
Music and dance
The Ryukyuan musical scale, which is called pentatonic, consists of five notes, namely Do, Mi, Fa, So, and Ti. The Ryukyuan songs and poems are composed of 30 syllables.
The song or verse is sung accompanied by traditional musical instruments. The main Ryukyu musical instruments include string, percussion, and wind instruments. Sanshin (3-stringed), kokyu (2-stringed), and koto (13-stringed) are the popular string instruments; drum, paarankuu, sanba, yotsudake, and symbal are common percussion instruments; yokobue (bamboo flute) and hora (tilton sea shell) are the main wind instruments.
Ryukyu dance and music with instruments are often performed simultaneously, and classified into classical/court, folk, drama, miscellaneous, and creative categories. For example, Kajadifu is classical; Tanchame is folk, Hatoma-bushi is miscellaneous; Warabigami is creative. After the Meiji invasion, many Ryukyu dance schools (ryuha) emerged, such as, Tamagusuku-ryu, Oyadomari-ryu, Miyagi-ryu, and the like.
Tokyo Ryukyu Dance Association was established by the Ryukyuans living in Tokyo. The 7th performance of Ryukyu music and dance was held in May 2016. Fifteen schools in Tokyo offered 26 dances that were performed to the accompaniment of classical, miscellaneous, and creative music.
Map
2016年07月03日
琉球ヒストリー第９弾 戦後の沖縄
琉球ヒストリー第９弾は、戦後のアメリカ統治下から日本への復帰、そして基地問題についてです。
未だ解決されていないすごく複雑な問題ですが、解決に向けて何かを変えていければ、いや、変えていかねばならないですよね。
ただ、変えていくにももっと多角的に強かに進めていく必要性もあるのではないかな、と個人的には思います。
In 1879 Japan illegally destroyed and abolished the Ryukyu Kingdom by invading the King’s Shuri Castle, which was suddenly surrounded by the Japanese military forces, arresting King Sho Tai who had refused to give up his independent Kingdom. Instead of using the kingdom’s name “Ryukyu,” Japan started using “Okinawa,” the name of the largest island of the Ryukyus, as the new name of the 47th prefecture.
After Japan lost the war against the U.S. and its allied powers, the U.S. military government stopped using the name “Okinawa”. Instead, the name of the former kingdom, “Ryukyu,” was reinstated as in the “United States Civil Administration of the Ryukyu Islands” (USCAR) and the Government of the Ryukyu Islands (GRI) until the return of the islands to Japan in 1972, when Japan again returned the use of “Okinawa” to cover the entire prefecture.
Before the Satsuma invasion in 1609, the island people had been totally independent. However, three major foreign invasions brought misfortune to the island people. These foreign invasions became the causes of never-ending suffering to this day. These incidents were Satsuma Invasion in 1609, Meiji Government Invasion in 1879, and the U.S.-Allied Invasion in 1945.
Immediately, independent movements surfaced after 1879, which were suppressed. The reversion of the Ryukyus to Japan took place, and had the support of local people, for several reasons. First, to get out of an ambiguous international political situation by making the islands again a part of Japan.
Second, to get rid of American control and the heavy concentration of U.S. military bases. Third, to become free from U.S.-military-related crimes, accidents, environmental pollutions, and other problems. And fourth, to increase monthly wages for higher standard of living under the Japanese ‘mighty’ yen economy.
Including the author of “Okinawa, A History of an Island People,” George H. Kerr, many American intellectuals and political leaders thought that the Okinawans had basically been peace-loving people, and that they would follow and obey their oppressors. This theory and beliefs was totally reversed when 3,000 Okinawans joined the anti-U.S. Koza Riot, setting fire on over 80 U.S.-plated cars and injuring more than 60 Americans.
In September 1995 three U.S. sailors raped a 12-year-old school girl on her way back from shopping in the northern part of Okinawa. 85,000 Okinawans and 3,000 off-islanders gathered to demonstrate against the U.S. military operations in Okinawa. The rally was held at Ginowan Seaside Park on Oct. 21, 1995.
A U.S. military helicopter from MCAS Futenma crashed on Okinawa International University campus next to the base in 2004. Twenty years ago, the total return of the base was agreed between Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto and the U.S. Ambassador Walter Mondale on Apr. 12th, 1996, but the agreement has yet to be enforced 20 years later.
Both U.S. and Japanese governments claim that Henoko is the only option to relocate the MCAS Futenma. Okinawans strongly oppose this option because, first, the dangers of the base still remain on Okinawa, Second, the military-related crimes, accidents, pollution and other problems will simply be transferred to Henoko, and third, Okinawa is still a military target for an “enemy” attack, if a war breaks.
The U.S.-Japan idea that “Henoko is the only option” is naïve and unrealistic, as far as the island people are concerned. Even the former U.S. ambassador to Japan, Michael Armacost, denied the idea of “Henoko’s the only option.” Armacost believes there are other options, according his interview with the Okinawa Times on Apr. 12th, 2016. It’s not normal for the islanders whose land area is only 0.6% of Japan, to have 74% of all U.S. military base facilities in Japan.
Peaceful diplomacy will bring about a healthier and more sustainable world. It has proven that the U.S. military engagements in China (1949), in Korea (1950~’53), in Vietnam, (1967~1975) and Western Asia (1991~ today) could not bring about “Peace and Stability” in the region as the U.S. and Japan have been advocating for many years. Instead, they have created a great deal of side effects, chaos and instability in the regions involved.
In order to bring about lasting peace and stability in East Asia the following proposals have been made: 1) The U.S.-Japan-Korea Security Treaty be changed into the U.S.-Japan-Korea Peace and Friendship Treaty, 2) The U.S.-North Korea Armistice Treaty be changed into the U.S.-North Korea Peace and Friendship Treaty, so that the sea and air ports will be open for international commercial trade, and that science and technology can be exchanged, and that diplomats, students, scholars, athletes, artists, musicians, and more can mutually be exchanged.
If we do not make the effort and fail to prevent another major war, the whole world will have to suffer WWIII in the near future. The time has come now for us human beings to come closer in order to establish international rules and agreement in keeping all types of nuclear devices in order and in control.
For more information call NPO OLC at 098-943-1852 or e-mail OLC@ okilc.org
Map
未だ解決されていないすごく複雑な問題ですが、解決に向けて何かを変えていければ、いや、変えていかねばならないですよね。
ただ、変えていくにももっと多角的に強かに進めていく必要性もあるのではないかな、と個人的には思います。
In 1879 Japan illegally destroyed and abolished the Ryukyu Kingdom by invading the King’s Shuri Castle, which was suddenly surrounded by the Japanese military forces, arresting King Sho Tai who had refused to give up his independent Kingdom. Instead of using the kingdom’s name “Ryukyu,” Japan started using “Okinawa,” the name of the largest island of the Ryukyus, as the new name of the 47th prefecture.
After Japan lost the war against the U.S. and its allied powers, the U.S. military government stopped using the name “Okinawa”. Instead, the name of the former kingdom, “Ryukyu,” was reinstated as in the “United States Civil Administration of the Ryukyu Islands” (USCAR) and the Government of the Ryukyu Islands (GRI) until the return of the islands to Japan in 1972, when Japan again returned the use of “Okinawa” to cover the entire prefecture.
Before the Satsuma invasion in 1609, the island people had been totally independent. However, three major foreign invasions brought misfortune to the island people. These foreign invasions became the causes of never-ending suffering to this day. These incidents were Satsuma Invasion in 1609, Meiji Government Invasion in 1879, and the U.S.-Allied Invasion in 1945.
Immediately, independent movements surfaced after 1879, which were suppressed. The reversion of the Ryukyus to Japan took place, and had the support of local people, for several reasons. First, to get out of an ambiguous international political situation by making the islands again a part of Japan.
Second, to get rid of American control and the heavy concentration of U.S. military bases. Third, to become free from U.S.-military-related crimes, accidents, environmental pollutions, and other problems. And fourth, to increase monthly wages for higher standard of living under the Japanese ‘mighty’ yen economy.
Including the author of “Okinawa, A History of an Island People,” George H. Kerr, many American intellectuals and political leaders thought that the Okinawans had basically been peace-loving people, and that they would follow and obey their oppressors. This theory and beliefs was totally reversed when 3,000 Okinawans joined the anti-U.S. Koza Riot, setting fire on over 80 U.S.-plated cars and injuring more than 60 Americans.
In September 1995 three U.S. sailors raped a 12-year-old school girl on her way back from shopping in the northern part of Okinawa. 85,000 Okinawans and 3,000 off-islanders gathered to demonstrate against the U.S. military operations in Okinawa. The rally was held at Ginowan Seaside Park on Oct. 21, 1995.
A U.S. military helicopter from MCAS Futenma crashed on Okinawa International University campus next to the base in 2004. Twenty years ago, the total return of the base was agreed between Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto and the U.S. Ambassador Walter Mondale on Apr. 12th, 1996, but the agreement has yet to be enforced 20 years later.
Both U.S. and Japanese governments claim that Henoko is the only option to relocate the MCAS Futenma. Okinawans strongly oppose this option because, first, the dangers of the base still remain on Okinawa, Second, the military-related crimes, accidents, pollution and other problems will simply be transferred to Henoko, and third, Okinawa is still a military target for an “enemy” attack, if a war breaks.
The U.S.-Japan idea that “Henoko is the only option” is naïve and unrealistic, as far as the island people are concerned. Even the former U.S. ambassador to Japan, Michael Armacost, denied the idea of “Henoko’s the only option.” Armacost believes there are other options, according his interview with the Okinawa Times on Apr. 12th, 2016. It’s not normal for the islanders whose land area is only 0.6% of Japan, to have 74% of all U.S. military base facilities in Japan.
Peaceful diplomacy will bring about a healthier and more sustainable world. It has proven that the U.S. military engagements in China (1949), in Korea (1950~’53), in Vietnam, (1967~1975) and Western Asia (1991~ today) could not bring about “Peace and Stability” in the region as the U.S. and Japan have been advocating for many years. Instead, they have created a great deal of side effects, chaos and instability in the regions involved.
In order to bring about lasting peace and stability in East Asia the following proposals have been made: 1) The U.S.-Japan-Korea Security Treaty be changed into the U.S.-Japan-Korea Peace and Friendship Treaty, 2) The U.S.-North Korea Armistice Treaty be changed into the U.S.-North Korea Peace and Friendship Treaty, so that the sea and air ports will be open for international commercial trade, and that science and technology can be exchanged, and that diplomats, students, scholars, athletes, artists, musicians, and more can mutually be exchanged.
If we do not make the effort and fail to prevent another major war, the whole world will have to suffer WWIII in the near future. The time has come now for us human beings to come closer in order to establish international rules and agreement in keeping all types of nuclear devices in order and in control.
For more information call NPO OLC at 098-943-1852 or e-mail OLC@ okilc.org
Map
2016年06月05日
琉球ヒストリー第８弾 そしてアメリカゆーへ
こうやって改めて歴史を振り返ってみると、よほど沖縄という島はいろいろ振り回されてきてますよね〜。
日本からも支配され、戦争の犠牲になり今度はアメリカの支配。
それまでにようやく日本人として生きてきたかと思った矢先に戦争で粉々にされて日本から切り離されアメリカ支配、そしてその後は日本に行くにもパスポートが必要になる。
ある意味どっちつかずの支配下だからやられたい放題。
まぁ、もともと日本国民ではないというところの切り離され方は理解に容易いですよね。
それもこれも、やはり立地がすごく優位だからなんだと思うわけです。
ここまでいろんな国に目をつけられ接収されるということは、その島位置が何をするにも有利に働くから、であることの裏返しですよね。
となると島人が捨て駒になるのは理解できると。
ちょっと深堀しすぎな感もありますが、そういうこともしっかり考えて自分の考えをしっかり持って行動していきましょう。
まずは知ること！ですよね。自分のルーツを探りましょう。
On Sunday morning Dec. 7, 1941, the Imperial Japanese Navy attacked the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor in which more than 2,400 U.S. sailors died. This ignited the Pacific War between the U.S. and Japan.
Japan fought losing wars in all areas of Asia and the Pacific, and she finally surrendered after the two atomic bombs were dropped in Hiroshima and Nagasaki on Aug. 6 and Aug. 9, 1945, respectively.
About 3.1 million Japanese soldiers and civilians died in the WWII. The Battle of Okinawa was fought between Mar. 26 and Sep. 7, 1945, in which 188,136 Japanese, of which 122,228 were the Ryukyuans, and 12,520 Americans died according to the statistics issued in 1976 by Okinawa Prefectural Government Support Division.
After the unconditional surrender of Japan, the people of the Ryukyu Islands became independent from Japanese control but became dependent on the U.S. Armed forces until 1972. The U.S. military forces confiscated the island people’s villages and their farmlands. After the US-Japan Peace and Security was concluded between Tokyo and Washington, the Ryukyus became like a semi-independent nation having its own government called the “Government of the Ryukyu Islands” (GRI) starting from 1952, which was under the USCAR (United States Civil Administration of the Ryukyus) that was established in 1950. Neither GRI nor USCAR were UN members, and consequently, Ryukyu people became politically ambiguous citizens.
Many problems emerged from such abnormal political conditions. First, the island people traveling abroad carrying the USCAR passport issued by the High Commissioner (a 3-star general) were stopped at the airport immigration.
Second, neither the U.S. nor the Japanese Constitutions applied to the island people. Therefore, they were ruled by the USCAR Proclamations, High Commis-sioner’s Ordinances, and such.
Third, whenever the U.S. soldiers or their dependents committed crimes, such as rapes, murders, deaths by military traffic accidents, and so on, the police and the courts of the GRI were given no rights to handle the cases but only the U.S. M.P. and the military courts were allowed to do the job, and many American criminals were sent back home free.
Because of such undemocratic and abnormal conduct and unfair treatment of the island people by the U.S. military, the island-wide reversion movement took root, so that the island people might be able to become free from the U.S. control and live peacefully under the Article 9 of Japanese Constitution.
The Ryukyu’s reversion took place on May 15, 1972 when the last U.S. High Commissioner, Lt. Gen. James B. Lampert left Okinawa for Washington D.C.
After the reversion of the Ryukyus, Masahide Ota was elected the governor of Okinawa. Ota is one of the survivors of the Battle of Okinawa. During the war, he was a teen-age boy but the Japanese military recruited him to fight against the allied forces on Okinawa in 1945. Many of his classmates died in the battle.
After the war, Ota attended a university in the U.S.A. majoring in political science. Coming back to Okinawa after graduation, he taught political science at the University of the Ryukyus until he retired.
Then he became the governor. He had two major dreams to achieve during his time in the office. One of his dreams was to construct the “Cornerstone of Peace” that was built in 1995 in the southern part of Okinawa where the most island people lost their precious lives. The stone panels have the inscription of all the names of the fallen during the Battle of Okinawa regardless their nationality, status, or gender.
Ota’s another dream was to construct the “World Peace Center,” which he could not do, because he lost the gubernatorial election after serving two four-year terms. Therefore, he privately opened Okinawa International Peace Research Institute in 2013 in Naha City.
The island people were shocked to discover that they’d be ruled by both Tokyo and Washington D.C. The confiscated lands have still been kept as the military bases on Okinawa that consist of 74% of all U.S. military installations in Japan.
Moreover, against the will of the Okinawan people, both Japan and the U.S. have started constructing a new military airfield in Henoko by reclaiming the beautiful natural beach in the north eastern part of Okinawa, claiming Henoko is the ONLY place to move the Futenma air strip. In front of Camp Schwab, people opposing the construction of the new airfield have been protesting about 600 consecutive days by now. The Henoko Fund to stop the new base construction reached ¥554 million by March 16, 2016, and the amount is increasing day by day.
“The United States of America confidently claims that democracy is a best form of government and that freedom and fundamental human rights must be respected. The people of the Ryukyu Islands totally agree with and wholeheartedly support such ideas and values.
Why then democracy is taken away from the island people? Why the freedom and basic human rights are not respected here on the Ryukyus? Why self-determination of the local people has been ignored and rejected?
These are the crucial questions that the island people have been asking for many years. You can register and join the discussions in the course on “A History and Culture of the Ryukyu Islands” at NPO Okinawa Language Center in Mekaru, Shintoshin, Naha City. Tel. 098-943-1852
Map
日本からも支配され、戦争の犠牲になり今度はアメリカの支配。
それまでにようやく日本人として生きてきたかと思った矢先に戦争で粉々にされて日本から切り離されアメリカ支配、そしてその後は日本に行くにもパスポートが必要になる。
ある意味どっちつかずの支配下だからやられたい放題。
まぁ、もともと日本国民ではないというところの切り離され方は理解に容易いですよね。
それもこれも、やはり立地がすごく優位だからなんだと思うわけです。
ここまでいろんな国に目をつけられ接収されるということは、その島位置が何をするにも有利に働くから、であることの裏返しですよね。
となると島人が捨て駒になるのは理解できると。
ちょっと深堀しすぎな感もありますが、そういうこともしっかり考えて自分の考えをしっかり持って行動していきましょう。
まずは知ること！ですよね。自分のルーツを探りましょう。
On Sunday morning Dec. 7, 1941, the Imperial Japanese Navy attacked the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor in which more than 2,400 U.S. sailors died. This ignited the Pacific War between the U.S. and Japan.
Japan fought losing wars in all areas of Asia and the Pacific, and she finally surrendered after the two atomic bombs were dropped in Hiroshima and Nagasaki on Aug. 6 and Aug. 9, 1945, respectively.
About 3.1 million Japanese soldiers and civilians died in the WWII. The Battle of Okinawa was fought between Mar. 26 and Sep. 7, 1945, in which 188,136 Japanese, of which 122,228 were the Ryukyuans, and 12,520 Americans died according to the statistics issued in 1976 by Okinawa Prefectural Government Support Division.
After the unconditional surrender of Japan, the people of the Ryukyu Islands became independent from Japanese control but became dependent on the U.S. Armed forces until 1972. The U.S. military forces confiscated the island people’s villages and their farmlands. After the US-Japan Peace and Security was concluded between Tokyo and Washington, the Ryukyus became like a semi-independent nation having its own government called the “Government of the Ryukyu Islands” (GRI) starting from 1952, which was under the USCAR (United States Civil Administration of the Ryukyus) that was established in 1950. Neither GRI nor USCAR were UN members, and consequently, Ryukyu people became politically ambiguous citizens.
Many problems emerged from such abnormal political conditions. First, the island people traveling abroad carrying the USCAR passport issued by the High Commissioner (a 3-star general) were stopped at the airport immigration.
Second, neither the U.S. nor the Japanese Constitutions applied to the island people. Therefore, they were ruled by the USCAR Proclamations, High Commis-sioner’s Ordinances, and such.
Third, whenever the U.S. soldiers or their dependents committed crimes, such as rapes, murders, deaths by military traffic accidents, and so on, the police and the courts of the GRI were given no rights to handle the cases but only the U.S. M.P. and the military courts were allowed to do the job, and many American criminals were sent back home free.
Because of such undemocratic and abnormal conduct and unfair treatment of the island people by the U.S. military, the island-wide reversion movement took root, so that the island people might be able to become free from the U.S. control and live peacefully under the Article 9 of Japanese Constitution.
The Ryukyu’s reversion took place on May 15, 1972 when the last U.S. High Commissioner, Lt. Gen. James B. Lampert left Okinawa for Washington D.C.
After the reversion of the Ryukyus, Masahide Ota was elected the governor of Okinawa. Ota is one of the survivors of the Battle of Okinawa. During the war, he was a teen-age boy but the Japanese military recruited him to fight against the allied forces on Okinawa in 1945. Many of his classmates died in the battle.
After the war, Ota attended a university in the U.S.A. majoring in political science. Coming back to Okinawa after graduation, he taught political science at the University of the Ryukyus until he retired.
Then he became the governor. He had two major dreams to achieve during his time in the office. One of his dreams was to construct the “Cornerstone of Peace” that was built in 1995 in the southern part of Okinawa where the most island people lost their precious lives. The stone panels have the inscription of all the names of the fallen during the Battle of Okinawa regardless their nationality, status, or gender.
Ota’s another dream was to construct the “World Peace Center,” which he could not do, because he lost the gubernatorial election after serving two four-year terms. Therefore, he privately opened Okinawa International Peace Research Institute in 2013 in Naha City.
The island people were shocked to discover that they’d be ruled by both Tokyo and Washington D.C. The confiscated lands have still been kept as the military bases on Okinawa that consist of 74% of all U.S. military installations in Japan.
Moreover, against the will of the Okinawan people, both Japan and the U.S. have started constructing a new military airfield in Henoko by reclaiming the beautiful natural beach in the north eastern part of Okinawa, claiming Henoko is the ONLY place to move the Futenma air strip. In front of Camp Schwab, people opposing the construction of the new airfield have been protesting about 600 consecutive days by now. The Henoko Fund to stop the new base construction reached ¥554 million by March 16, 2016, and the amount is increasing day by day.
“The United States of America confidently claims that democracy is a best form of government and that freedom and fundamental human rights must be respected. The people of the Ryukyu Islands totally agree with and wholeheartedly support such ideas and values.
Why then democracy is taken away from the island people? Why the freedom and basic human rights are not respected here on the Ryukyus? Why self-determination of the local people has been ignored and rejected?
These are the crucial questions that the island people have been asking for many years. You can register and join the discussions in the course on “A History and Culture of the Ryukyu Islands” at NPO Okinawa Language Center in Mekaru, Shintoshin, Naha City. Tel. 098-943-1852
Map
画像一覧 
